Marlins have eyes on Cuban prospect Tomas

MIAMI -- The regular season may officially end on Sept. 28, but the Marlins' front office already is spanning the globe in search for possible talent to infuse into the organization. On Sunday, two Miami executives were in the Dominican Republic to attend the workout of coveted Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas.

Pretty much all 30 MLB teams are expected to watch Tomas, whose salary demands are expected to be very high, perhaps as much as the seven-year, $72.5 million deal Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo signed in late August with the Red Sox.

MIAMI -- The regular season may officially end on Sept. 28, but the Marlins' front office already is spanning the globe in search for possible talent to infuse into the organization. On Sunday, two Miami executives were in the Dominican Republic to attend the workout of coveted Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas.

Pretty much all 30 MLB teams are expected to watch Tomas, whose salary demands are expected to be very high, perhaps as much as the seven-year, $72.5 million deal Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo signed in late August with the Red Sox.

Tomas' workout is taking place in Boca Chica at the academy of the San Francisco Giants. To be on hand from the Marlins will be director of international operations Albert Gonzalez and vice president of player personnel Craig Weissmann.

Regarded as the next Cuban superstar, Tomas reportedly is drawing heavy interest from the Giants, Phillies, Padres, Rangers and Tigers.

Tomas is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound slugger, who profiles as a corner outfielder. In his final season playing in Cuba, the 23-year-old batted .286 with 15 home runs, 60 RBIs and 45 runs scored.

Reports are he is close to being big league ready, but may first need some time in Triple-A before making the leap.

Castillo's $72.5 million contract is a record-setting number for an amateur free-agent.

Tomas played for Cuba in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, and he defected this year.

Because of his age, and overall talent, the young slugger is likely to sign for a number closer to what Castillo signed for and for more than Jose Abreu (six years, $68 million) signed for with the White Sox.

In an article by MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez recently, Tomas said: "I have expectations of myself and what I want to do in my career. [The workout] will be a new experience, but I'm ready for it. I've played in Cuba, around the world and in the World Baseball Classic against tough competition. This is a new challenge, but I look forward to that."